The Daily News, founded in 1919 as the Illustrated Daily News and later renamed after its tabloid format, was the first successful daily newspaper printed in the United States. It attracted readers with sensational coverage of crime and scandal, lurid photographs, and cartoons. In the 1920s, the News emphasized political wrongdoing (such as the Teapot Dome Scandal) and social intrigue (the romance between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII that led to his abdication). The News also devoted considerable attention to photography, becoming an early user of Associated Press wirephoto service and developing its own staff of photographers.
The News at one time maintained local bureaus in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens and shared offices within One Police Plaza with other news agencies. The News was an early adopter of television and in 1948 launched WPIX, whose call letters were based on the News’ nickname, “New York’s Picture Newspaper.” From 1928 to 1995, the newspaper operated out of its iconic art deco Daily News Building at 220 East 42nd Street near Second Avenue, an official city and national landmark designed by John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood. The building was later known as Manhattan West and is now occupied by a branch of the Associated Press.
Today, the Daily News covers intense city news and politics, celebrity gossip, classified ads, comics, a sports section, and an opinion section. It is a highly respected and widely read newspaper in the US. The News has endorsed political candidates and ballot measure issues through Ballotpedia, an independent website that provides voters with the latest information on each of these issues.
Each Daily News article includes comprehension and critical thinking questions, found below the article. Additionally, the News provides “Background” and “Resources” for each question to help students understand the article. This page is an excellent resource for any student looking to increase their understanding of the world around them!